IPL 2018: How Kings XI Punjab could line up for their opener

Kings XI Punjab are one of those sides who have not been consistent enough in their performances. This could be attributed to the constant changes in their squad and the leadership. They did a decent job this time around, though, in the auctions and have some power-packed performers onboard.

KXIP have one of the most star-studded squads in this IPL. However, if history is anything to go by, there have been numerous occasions where teams, with the biggest of names, have not been able to have an impact in the IPL. With a question mark over the forms of some big guns like Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, R Ashwin and David Miller, Kings XI Punjab cannot afford to be too reliant on them.

How this powerhouse team performs under the captaincy of level-headed Ashwin will be the key to their chances this year. Now, let's see how they might line up for their tournament opener.

Openers (Aaron Finch and KL Rahul)

One of the best openers in limited overs cricket, Aaron Finch is likely to play ahead of Chris Gayle. Finch has been in a good form of late, and, has the ability to decimate any bowling attack. The Australian batsman will have the responsibility to get his team off to a flying start.

One of the underutilised gems in the Indian cricket, KL Rahul will change his colours in this IPL. Rahul shone on many occasions while playing for the RCB, but, with the kind of top order RCB had, he had very limited opportunities. This year he will be fully relied upon as an opener and a wicket-keeper and given that the form of the middle order batsmen looks dicey, he will be the one who will have to anchor the innings.